ozone layer depletion
Stratospheric shield erosion
Ozone layer depletion is the thinning of the stratospheric ozone that shields Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
The primary cause is chemical compounds—especially chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) once common in refrigerants and aerosols—that break down ozone molecules.
The phenomenon drew global attention in the 1980s when scientists discovered a seasonal "hole" over Antarctica: International agreements to address ozone layer depletion led to the phaseout of CFCs.
- skin cancerMalignancy of the dermis
- industrial emissionsPollutants released by manufacturing
- halonsBromine-based fire suppressants
- climate treatyAgreement limiting global emissions
- cataractsSteep falls or eye opacity
aerosols · ultraviolet radiation · UV index · nitrous oxide · chemical reactions · polar vortex · free radicals · refrigerants · DNA damage · skin protection · sunscreen use · aquatic ecosystems · public awareness campaigns · international cooperation · volcanic eruptions · CFCs · spray cans · stratosphere
ozone layer depletionglobal warming
Rising planetary temperatures
climate change · greenhouse effect · acid rain · ocean acidification
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